Craddick to pay back funds spent on office

AUSTIN — House Speaker Tom Craddick will reimburse state funds that were spent on renovating his office and rent-free apartment in the state Capitol, his office said.

More than $50,000 in state money has been used to purchase and install wool carpet and to move furnishings and belongings out of the apartment and offices in preparation for the renovations, records show.

Craddick aides said he will use private money raised for the renovation to repay the state. Lobbyists, businessmen and a corporate foundation are among about 40 donors who have contributed more than $1 million to renovate the apartment, the nation's only residence within a statehouse.